Why do so many people worry when hiring an HVAC contractor? Perhaps it’s because a home’s heating and cooling system is a key element when it comes to keeping your home happy and healthy. Continue reading “8 Tips for Hiring an HVAC Contractor Who’s Right for the Job”
Tag: peak efficiency
Keeping a High Efficiency Air Conditioner in Top Form
If you have purchased a high efficiency air conditioner for your home, you need to know about the FACTS. What we are talking about are the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) FACTS. Continue reading “Keeping a High Efficiency Air Conditioner in Top Form”
Your A/C Installation: You Know About Manual J and Manual D, but What About Manual S?
If you haven’t undertaken an A/C installation before (or at least a proper A/C upgrade or installation), you may be surprised by the volume of information acquired. Continue reading “Your A/C Installation: You Know About Manual J and Manual D, but What About Manual S?”
Your New Air Conditioner: Installation Issues That Profoundly Affect Performance
Reading efficiency labels is important when purchasing a new cooling system, but it’s only half the battle. Although you may not give it much thought, the air conditioner installation process plays a huge role in securing efficiency ratings and performance values. Continue reading “Your New Air Conditioner: Installation Issues That Profoundly Affect Performance”
Manual J: Insist on It, as a Rule of Thumb
If you’re thinking about upgrading your air conditioner this summer, you should be familiar with Manual J. Continue reading “Manual J: Insist on It, as a Rule of Thumb”
Tend to Your Air Conditioner Maintenance Now, Before Long Island Heats Up
The ideal time for air conditioner maintenance is in the spring, so your system is functioning at its highest level of efficiency before the summer heat arrives. Continue reading “Tend to Your Air Conditioner Maintenance Now, Before Long Island Heats Up”
Water Heater’s Underperforming? Troubleshooting Tips to Get It Back on Track
Can you barely make it through your shower before the hot water is gone? Is washing dishes a challenge with dwindling hot water? Is “hot” water a bit of a misnomer at your house? If so, it’s probably time to take a look at your water heater.
While some water heater issues are best left to an HVAC professional, there are some things you can do yourself if your water heater’s underperforming.
- Insulate the heater. Is your water heater located in an unheated basement area or utility room? If so, the unit is having to work hard during the cold winter months to deliver that hot water on demand. Save energy dollars and increase the amount of hot water available by insulating your water tank. Most home improvement stores sell specially-designed, insulated blankets that fit snugly over water tanks.
- Don’t forget the pipes. In addition to the tank, your heated water may be losing its warmth traveling through cold pipes. If the pipes leading from the water heater are in a cold part of the house, consider buying special insulation wraps to help keep the water in them warm.
- Is it the element? Your hot water challenges may be caused by a problem with the heating elements (on electric heaters), pilot light or thermostat. Have someone check these three essentials to make sure they’re functioning properly.
If you’ve checked these three common trouble spots and your water is still lukewarm at best, it’s probably time to call an HVAC professional to identify the source of the problem.
If your water heater’s underperforming or you need help with other mechanical systems in your Long Island home, give T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating a call. We’ve been helping homeowners throughout Long Island with their heating and cooling needs since 1934.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Have You Changed Your Furnace Filter Lately? You Should
When the cooling season gets into full swing, it’s time to make sure your furnace is in proper working condition. Scheduling preventive maintenance for your furnace is important, but so is changing the furnace filter. Continue reading “Have You Changed Your Furnace Filter Lately? You Should”
Need A New HVAC System? Do A Load Calculation First
If you’re starting the process of choosing a new HVAC system, the first and most important step to take is getting a load calculation. Continue reading “Need A New HVAC System? Do A Load Calculation First”
Avoid The Big Chill With A Water Heater Tune-Up
Your water heater works hard on a daily basis to provide a continuous supply of hot water. To maintain continuous function, it’s necessary to schedule a regular water heater tune-up. Continue reading “Avoid The Big Chill With A Water Heater Tune-Up”